Fossil fuels can be found underwater (more specifically, under the earth’s surface) because of plant and animal remains and with heat and pressure resulting in oil. The process for organisms to decompose to crude oil takes millions of years. The deeper the sea level for the drilling to occur, the more difficult conditions there are to extract the oil. The pressure is greater, the temperature of oil is greater; thus, giving the metal a bigger force.
A massive oil spill took place in the Gulf of New Mexico in the mid of April and came to an end on Sept. 19. It was recorded as the largest accidental marine oil spill in history. It is estimated that 2,604,000 gallons were being spewed out every day. The spill began on April 20th with an explosion that killed eleven workers.
The video below explains the cause of the explosion and their three proposals on fixing the problem.
This disaster is impinging on all sea creatures and wildlife; even after the valve has been fixed. Some of the problems that the oil has caused to wildlife are:
- wildlife that are higher in a food chain will intake more oil which will is stored in their tissues(bioaccumulation)
- damage of stomach, liver and red blood cells from intake of oil
- hypothermia because of damage of feather (birds) and fur(whales)
- smaller wildlife become easy prey because their body movement.(cant like move as much because of the thick oil)
- irritation of skin
- affects their offspring
- damages marine creatures sight; may cause temporary or permanent blindness
BP, the global petroleum company that was responsible for the accident is taking full responsibility by paying for the damages. Furthermore, there are many organizations that are helping this problem.
GreenPeace USA
- going to the shore and cleaning up the shoreline and animals
- testing the waters
The Audubon Society(Centre for Birds)
- bird cleansing and rehabilitation
However, I would like to shed the spotlight on a specific organization.: Matter of Trust. Matter of Trust is a charitable organization that helps to deal with environmental situations that are happening around our world. It is also an advocate of renewable resources. Currently, they are focusing on a program called, Hair Mat Oil Spill Program. The organization asks for hair clippings and nylons. By obtaining the hair; they can be weaved into mats that soak up oil and made into hair “booms” which contains the oil spill; keeping oil from spreading.
But because of human interaction, oil has become a major necessity for humans. Unfortunately, the environmental affects of oil drilling are alarming .e.g risks of oil spills, tsunami etc. Rather than wasting time, effort and money on offshore drilling that would only temporarily sustain us, we should find a long-term energy plan for the future.
Works Cited:
Sandhyarani, Ningthoujam. "Pros and Cons of Oil Drilling." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. Buzzle. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-oil-drilling.html>.
"TIMELINE-Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill | Reuters." Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com. 03 June 2010. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0322326220100603>.
"Cause Of Gulf Of Mexico Deepwater Oil Spill." Business Insider. 29 Apr. 2010. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://www.businessinsider.com/gulf-of-mexico-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-2010-4>.
"Effects of Oil on Wildlife." Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://www.amsa.gov.au/marine_environment_protection/educational_resources_and_information/teachers/the_effects_of_oil_on_wildlife.asp>.
Pictures from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj_mna5lckg
Comments:
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The Gulf of Mexico oil spill was very tragic. I find this post to be quite informative, considering that I had not known much of the details about the oil spill prior to reading this. Unfortunately we are all affected by this. Oil-drilling companies must start being more cautious. I have heard that the British Patrol have not done enough and are hiding the full consequences of their mistake. Thankfully, there are other helpful organizations and the ‘booms’ made of hair seems to be a great solution. Oil is proving to be a dangerous resource and we depend on it too much. Hopefully we will soon find a safer, environmentally-friendly, sustainable substitute to oil.
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